Ginger

Ginger is a wonderfully pungent spice with a long history of cultivation. It can be bought in many forms, including the fresh root, dried root, powdered or crystallized. Its strong fragrance is a result of its containing up to 3% essential oil.

In China, where ginger originated, as well as in other Asian countries, the spice is used in a multitude of both savory and sweet dishes, eaten raw or pickled and even made into candy. In the U.S., ginger is especially associated with holiday baking, thanks to the western tradition of making gingerbread cookies at Christmas.

One teaspoon of
ground ginger has as much antioxidants as a cup of spinach. That’s right—you’re eating those gingerbread cookies for your health! Photo courtesy of McCormick.

Ginger also has a number of medicinal uses, including treatment of dyspepsia, colic, gallstones and nausea caused by seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy. Its 519 ORAC units antioxidant level per teaspoon also helps fight age-related illnesses.

Consume more ginger by adding its powdered form to yogurt or lemonade, sprinkle some on peaches, pears, cantaloupe, pineapple or honeydew melon, or use ginger candy as a breath-freshener instead of sugary mints.

Click here to learn how to make Crunchy Asian Slaw and Asian Chicken & Vegetables in Gingered Broth, two delicious recipes from McCormick that include plenty of ginger.